This is the anniversary of 9/11, a horrific event in the history of our nation. I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when the planes hit the towers. Events like this shake our emotions so violently that they carve a lasting memory in our minds. The emotional impact of the event is what makes the memory so vivid and long-lasting.
As a Christian, there is another significant event, equally horrific, that I recall. And even though I wasn’t there, it has become a permanent memory in my life. The unjust trial and ruthless crucifixion of Jesus Christ occurred some 2,014 years ago in Jerusalem, Israel. It was a case of one who was wrongly convicted. False accusations and lying witnesses convinced Roman Governor, Pilate, to turn Jesus over the Jews with permission to put him to death.
Ironically, it was God’s plan all along for Jesus to die. Because without death, there could be no resurrection. Three days following the crucifixion, early on a Sunday morning, the tomb Jesus was buried in was found empty! Rumors of chicanery swirled among the Romans and the Jews, but no one could deny with any shred of proof, that Jesus had indeed RISEN FROM THE DEAD.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation of the Christian faith. Paul in the Bible writes it this way:
“And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.” – 1 Corinthians 15:14
Paul writes again referring to the resurrection of Jesus with a promise to those who follow Him:
“For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” – 1 Corinthians 15:22
Just as 9/11 is remembered yearly in the United States, the death, burial, and resurrection are routinely remembered by Christians all over the world. Jesus instructed the first disciples as they ate the Passover meal of bread and wine to “do this in remembrance of me.” Christian churches now make eating a piece of unleavened bread and juice or wine a central part of their worship service.
In 9/11 we remember what we lost; In Jesus’ resurrection, we remember what we’ve gained!